​Olympic wrestling star Gable Steveson is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated additions in UFC history, with talk of title opportunities already circling before he even steps into the Octagon. Given his storied wrestling résumé and the fact that UFC legend Jon Jones has been among his primary coaches and mentors, it’s easy to see why many view Steveson as a genuine future heavyweight contender and perhaps a reigning champion someday. He’s made clear that he’s keeping a keen eye on the division’s top names, including Ciryl Gane, Tom Aspinall, and Josh Hokit, as he prepares for his UFC debut at UFC 329.
“I’m eyeballing them, of course,” Steveson said during UFC 329 media day. “But my first task is to go out there Saturday night and put on a great performance and let everybody in this room know that I’m here.”
Hokit’s rise has been a frequent topic of conversation linked to Steveson, partly because of their shared wrestling background—Hokit was an All-American at Fresno State before pursuing football and then MMA. Today, Hokit is one of the sport’s hottest properties, rising rapidly through the heavyweight ranks and drawing attention for his flashy, sometimes controversial off‑the‑cage persona. That dynamic is further intensified by the fact that Steveson and Hokit both train out of New Mexico and share a number of the same coaches, including Greg Jackson, who has become a major voice in their preparations.
“Josh Hokit does what Josh Hokit does,” Steveson reflected. “What he’s doing is great for him. The character work is working for him. Applause for him making it work. If people like it, people like it. If people don’t, then who cares.”
When it comes to a potential future matchup with Hokit, Steveson doesn’t shy away from the possibility, though his focus remains on defeating the very best in the heavyweight division. He also suggested that Hokit might be better served exploring a move to light heavyweight to maximize his long‑term UFC prospects.
“It’s not tough for me to go against Josh Hokit,” Steveson said. “I honestly heard that Josh Hokit was going to go down to 205 from someone. If he goes down, that would be a great decision for him in the long run.”
Ahead of his first test against Elisha Ellison on Saturday, Steveson carries the weight of high expectations, entering the fight as one of the biggest betting favorites in UFC history despite just a 3‑0 record. His hype isn’t just marketing—it’s built on a track record of athletic excellence, a commitment to learning from seasoned mentors, and a readiness to test himself against the division’s elite. As UFC 329 approaches, the question isn’t whether Steveson has a future in the heavyweight title picture, but how quickly he can translate his legendary wrestling credentials into championship glory inside the Octagon.